Live Review: Boko Yout - 'Sebright Arms, London 27/02/2026
Boko Yout brings his wild bravado to Sebright Arms.
On a vibrant Friday night at Hackney’s Sebright Arms, the hugely charismatic Boko Yout proved why he’s becoming one of the most interesting new names on the European alternative scene. The Swedish artist, real name Paul Adamah, blends punk energy, funk rhythms and his own experimental sounds into what he calls “Afro-grunge.” Played live this mix feels raw, direct and hard to ignore, with an intoxicating energy that whips the crowd into feverish Friday night frenzy.
The support slot comes from FREDDY FORBIDDEN, an alternative artist from Newham, in the heart of East London. His quirky trademark is blending music with poetry, with his bold and expressive style to his performance that feels truly unique. He performs tracks from his ‘New World Order’ EP, mixing punk-inspired energy with thoughtful, introspective themes that show off the spirituality of the artist.
Boko Yout has built a formidable reputation for his electrifying, energetic shows, using music and visuals to explore ideas of identity, rebellion and self-expression in an almost hypnotic fashion that feels mesmerising on the live stage. His opening track ‘MORNING’ sets a wild, lively precedent for his set, working a palpably hyped crowd that join in with his punchy, visceral lyrics such as his opening line: ‘Big boulders topple my roof, I’ve been trying new things as I’ve got nothing to do’. The catchy rhyme combined with an element of mystery make for a compelling delivery on the live stage.
Much of his high tempo set is drawn from his debut album ‘GUSTO’, a record built around themes of identity, self-doubt and inner discovery. On stage the tracks felt less conceptual and more immediate, with the artist spending much of the set prowling the crowd. His menacing stage persona and topless torso show off his abundant energy and get the crowd involved from the outset. His songs are are louder and looser than on the record, driven by heavy basslines and sharp guitar riffs that gave the small room a restless energy.
Boko Yout is a truly physical performer, in fact, he hardly ever stands still! He literally throws himself into the music and shifts between softer, more sensitive and vulnerable vocal deliveries and more urgent, almost spoken lines that create a fierce energy. In a venue as intimate and packed as the Sebright Arms, that intensity feels up close and personal, there is no barrier between the artist and the audience at all.
What stands out most is his sense of purpose and charisma. His music isn’t just about the sound, it’s about expression and pushing conceptual boundaries. Even in its messier, more chaotic moments, the performance felt honest and totally authentic from start to finish. Rather than aiming for polish, Boko Yout leans into emotion and unpredictability, with a rawness that delights the buzzing crowd throughout, as he walks amongst them, approaching people with his intense glare that is simply impossible to ignore.
The end result of his seemingly boundless energy is a set that felt truly alive and slightly chaotic in the best way possible. Seeing him up close was a strong reminder if ever it was needed that small venues can still host big, uncompromising performances to utterly devastating effect. We are also given a front row insight into Boko Yout’s frightening and unique talent, something that is sure to grow in what looks like a bright future ahead.
Words by Brendan Sharp
